7 Benefits of Chia Seeds That Will Make you add it to Your Menu
Until fairly recently, chia seeds were one of those health foods that I didn’t really know what to do with. I knew they were nutritious and supposedly extremely versatile, but the whole idea of them seemed kind of daunting. Luckily, I decided to buy a bag and started to experiment with them. Now, they are part of my go-to breakfast, and an every day recipe staple.
As a great source of healthy omega-3 fats, fiber, and other vital nutrients, chia seeds aren’t just good for you, but can be eaten within, or on top of, just about anything! It’s no wonder that they are considered a superfood. And since the nutrients can readily be absorbed whether eaten whole or milled (unlike flax seeds which have to be ground before consumption), you don’t have to worry about going through any extra processes before eating them.
Here is a list of 7 of the amazing benefits of chia seeds that will hopefully convince you to add them to your must-have foods list as well! (Click here to read my original post on AllWomenStalk.com)
1. Loaded with Omega-3’s
One of the most well known benefits of chia seeds is the fact that they are a great source of vegetarian based Omega-3 fatty acids. With nearly 5 grams in a one-ounce serving, these nutrients are not only important for brain health, they can also help lower triglycerides, help relieve inflammation, and even help ward off depression.
2. Packed with Fiber
Fiber is one of those essential nutrients that the majority of us just don’t get enough of. I think a major reason for this is we just don’t know how to add more into our diets without feeling overly bloated and gassy. But did you know that you can find a whopping 11 grams in each 1-ounce serving of chia seeds? This is about a third of the recommended daily intake for adults and a super easy way to up your intake.
3. Combat Diabetes
Did you know that chia seeds are being studied as a potential natural treatment for type-2 diabetes, thanks to their ability to slow down digestion? The gelatinous coating chia seeds develop when exposed to liquids enable them to travel more slowly through the digestive tract and can even help prevent blood sugar spikes.
4. Helps Build Stronger Teeth and Bones
A serving of chia seeds has 18% of the recommended daily intake for calcium, a mineral that is known for helping you maintain good bone and oral health. Phosphorus is another mineral that is vital for stronger teeth and bones, and chia seeds have 27% of the daily-recommended value as well. These minerals also help with preventing osteoporosis, which is especially important for us women as we age.
5. Packed with Protein
Chia seeds are a great source of vegan protein and don’t have any cholesterol. One 28-gram serving of these super seeds has 4.4 grams of protein, which is nearly 10% of the daily value (depending of course on your weight, height, etc.).
6. Fight Belly Fat
Chia’s stabilizing effect on blood sugar also fights insulin resistance, an issue that has been tied to an increase in belly fat. And with chia’s ability to transform simple beverages into delectable puddings and desserts, it can help you save calories when it comes to your sweet tooth as well.
7. Improves Heart Health
Chia seeds have not only been shown to improve blood pressure in diabetics, they may also increase healthy cholesterol while lowering total, LDL, and triglyceride cholesterol. Can you believe that such little seeds can do all that? No wonder they are considered superfoods!
With all of the benefits of chia seeds and their versatility, there is no reason for you not to add chia seeds to your daily menu! As a relatively newcomer to the list of superfoods, it is a wonder that these powerful little seeds didn’t make the list sooner! And since they are tasteless, they can be added to just about everything and won’t affect the flavor profile of your food. What is your favorite way to eat chia seeds?
